UPN has nothing but love for ‘Chris’

Net orders full season of Rock-produced 'Everybody'

UPN is sticking by “Everybody Hates Chris,” ordering a full season of the promising Paramount Network TV laffer from exec producer Chris Rock.

Pickup extends to 22 the total number of “Chris” segs the net has ordered. NBC became the first network to give a back-nine thumbs-up to a frosh laffer Tuesday when it ordered a full season of Tuesday smash “My Name Is Earl.”

Like “Earl,” “Chris” roared out of the gates with its premiere — notching the best Nielsen numbers for a comedy in the netlet’s history — before coming down to earth in week two. UPN execs no doubt are anxiously awaiting ratings for tonight’s third seg of “Chris.”

“The early ratings results for ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ have been very encouraging,” said UPN prexy Dawn Ostroff, pointing to “the overwhelmingly positive response that we continue to get from the press, the advertisers, the creative community and our viewers.” She said the skein is now in production on its 11th episode and has maintained the quality of its pilot.

In its first two weeks on the air, “Chris” has boosted UPN’s adults 18-34 average in the 8 p.m. Tuesday slot by 93%. What’s more, moving “WWE Smackdown!” to Fridays has made UPN a player on that sleepy night as well.